Princess of Wales Reveals Subtle Hair Transformation at Royal Variety Performance
At the Royal Variety Performance, the Princess of Wales quietly unveiled the secret behind her noticeably lighter, caramel-toned hair during a candid backstage conversation with actress Su Pollard. Known for her signature chestnut locks, Catherine has been gradually adopting a sun-kissed “bronde” hue in recent months—an evolution now attributed, in part, to time spent outdoors.
According to Pollard, the Princess responded to her compliment on the lighter tone by saying: “It used to be brown, but it’s gone light in the sunshine.” Catherine’s hair transformation first became noticeable following her summer holiday spent yachting around the Greek islands, during which her appearance began to subtly shift.
A Natural Shift, Enhanced with Expertise
Seung Ki Baek, Creative Colour Expert at RUSH Hair, praised the change, calling the honey-blonde shade “a breath of fresh air.” He noted that while sunlight contributes to lightening, Catherine’s new tone was likely achieved with a blend of professional highlights and lightening techniques. The updated hue enhances her skin tone and brings attention to her green eyes.
Baek explained that her darker natural base was gently lifted and infused with soft, glowing highlights. The result is a multidimensional tone that flatters her complexion without overwhelming her classic look.
Style Notes: Waves, Volume, and Precision
For the Royal Variety gala at the Royal Albert Hall, the Princess wore her hair in loose, voluminous waves—an elegant and timeless choice that amplified movement and texture. Baek emphasised how this style works beautifully with her facial structure: an oval face, sculpted cheekbones, and a sharp jawline.
The overall effect? Glossy, healthy, and luxurious—achieved through minimal changes that still feel fresh and seasonal.
Contextual Colour Changes
This wasn’t the first time her hair sparked discussion. Back in September, at a visit to the Natural History Museum, her hair appeared significantly lighter. Just days later, at a rugby match in Brighton, her hair looked darker again.
Celebrity hairstylist Adem Oygur clarified that lighting, styling, and environmental context can drastically influence perceived hair colour. Wavy, down-styled hair in warm lighting can highlight blonde tones, while sleek, pulled-back styles under stadium lighting tend to flatten and darken the appearance.
Understated Elegance Meets Regal Versatility
Catherine’s styling continues to demonstrate an instinct for adapting her appearance to fit both occasion and environment. At the Royal Variety Performance, she wore a luxurious emerald velvet gown—thought to be from Talbot Runhof—paired with the late Queen’s diamond Cartier earrings. The look merged understated glamour with heritage symbolism.
Despite freezing weather, fans gathered outside the Royal Albert Hall to greet the royal couple. William and Catherine’s arrival was marked with ceremonial trumpeters and a national anthem performance by Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins.
A Night of Performance and Purpose
The Royal Variety Performance, hosted by Jason Manford, featured acts including Paddington the Musical, a tribute to the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The gala closed with a Les Misérables medley by 400 performers and showers of red, white, and blue confetti.
Proceeds from the event support the Royal Variety Charity, which funds care for members of the entertainment industry and launched a mental health initiative in 2024—an area long supported by William and Catherine.
This marked the sixth time the couple has attended the show together, and Catherine’s first since her public return following cancer recovery. Their most recent joint appearance at the event was in 2023, alongside Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.
The 2024 Royal Variety Performance will be broadcast in December on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.